Texas Lawmakers Introduce Special Session Bill that Would Ban Most Hemp-Derived THC Products, Regulate Other Hemp Products

The legislation, sponsored by State Senator Charles Perry (R), would prohibit the manufacture, sale, or possession of consumable hemp products that contain Delta-8, Delta-9, or any other cannabinoid aside from CBD and CBG. Violators could face criminal penalties ranging from misdemeanors to third-degree felonies, depending on the offense. Under the bill, retailers would be required to pay a $20,000 annual registration fee for each location where products are sold, while manufacturers would need to pay $10,000 per site to obtain a license. All consumable hemp products would also need to be registered individually with the state for a $500 fee, complete with identifying pictures and scannable QR codes linking to state-verified lab results. Any products not properly registered would be illegal to possess, and enforcement would include surprise inspections by law enforcement.

SB 5 would also make it a crime to sell products containing hemp-derived cannabinoids to individuals under 21 and ban all marketing or packaging that could appeal to minors, including cartoon characters and candy-like shapes. Mail-order and delivery services for these products would be outlawed entirely, and retail sales would be prohibited within 1,000 feet of schools.

Just last month, Governor Greg Abbott vetoed a similar bill that would have banned all hemp‑derived THC products, citing concerns over constitutional challenges and potential job losses. In his veto message, Abbott urged lawmakers to return with a more structured regulatory approach that includes licensing, testing, age restrictions, and child‑resistant packaging. That call to action is what led to the current special session now underway. Ask ChatGPT